| Most women can and should exercise when | | | | and the safest exercise when it comes to |
| pregnant. Unless your pregnancy is high risk | | | | pregnancy. Swimming alleviates the heaviness |
| or your doctor has ordered you to stay in | | | | you feel from weight gain associated with |
| bed, there is no reason in fact you can't | | | | pregnancy. It also provides you with optimal |
| exercise while pregnant. | | | | cardiovascular benefits and helps you feel |
| | | | light and refreshed. |
| Studies show that there are numerous benefits | | | | |
| to exercising while pregnant. You can improve | | | | Yoga - Yoga can help you maintain your muscle |
| your energy levels, get your blood pumping to | | | | tone and stretch out tight ligaments during |
| your legs and improve your circulation, and | | | | pregnancy. Be sure you investigate a |
| improve your chances for a speedy recovery. | | | | pre-natal yoga class if at all possible. |
| | | | |
| Another reason to exercise? Moms who worked | | | | Weight Training - Weight training is a great |
| out while pregnant generally had shorter and | | | | way to maintain and build muscle during your |
| easier labors. | | | | pregnancy. Just keep in mind you should avoid |
| | | | heavy weights and weight bearing exercises |
| So what kinds of exercises are good to do | | | | that require you to lie on your back. |
| when pregnant? | | | | |
| | | | To be safe you should always consult with |
| Well let's start with those you should avoid. | | | | your doctor or physician before beginning any |
| You should avoid embarking on any stringent | | | | exercise program. Most pregnant women are |
| exercise program you are unfamiliar with. | | | | fine to work out particularly if they've been |
| Avoid running and other jarring activities | | | | active before. |
| unless you are a very experienced runner. | | | | |
| Even then you should consult with your | | | | If you are just starting a program be sure to |
| physician. | | | | take it easy initially. You should also |
| | | | commit to exercising regularly. Generally 30 |
| Here are some generally good and safe | | | | minutes of exercise 4-7 days per week is |
| exercises that are recommended during | | | | recommended. |
| pregnancy: | | | | |
| | | | One last point... be sure to keep hydrated |
| Walking - This is the best overall exercise | | | | and avoid over-heating which can be dangerous |
| for pregnant mothers anywhere. It is low | | | | for you and your baby. Avoid getting your |
| impact but still gets your heart rate up and | | | | heart rate much over 140 and stop any |
| your blood pumping. Walking is usually safe | | | | exercise if you start to feel dizzy or |
| throughout the entire pregnancy. | | | | lightheaded. |
| | | | |
| Jogging - Jogging can be done safely if you | | | | Also don't forget the importance of warming |
| are an experienced jogger. You should reduce | | | | up before any and all activity. You'll reduce |
| your jogging regimen however the further | | | | the likelihood of injury. Warm up after |
| along you are in your pregnancy. If you are | | | | activities will also help your heart rate |
| not able to have a conversation when jogging, | | | | return to normal. |
| then you are working out too hard. | | | | |
| | | | Good luck and have fun! |
| Swimming - This is the number one exercise | | | | |